The Perfect Winter Escape - Zakopane Travel Guide
“A beautiful sight. We’re happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland”
Sure, Austria and Switzerland are synonymous with winter getaways, but have you ever considered Zakopane, Poland, for your next snowy adventure? Nestled amidst the majestic Tatra Mountains, this town is a beautiful wonderland that offers an excellent alternative to the famed Alpine destinations.
Ready to start planning your adventure, but are you unsure where to start? I got you. As someone who visits Zakopane twice a year for many years - let me guide you through all the must-knows: from the best hotels to the most cozy restaurants and fun activities.
OK, ready? Here’s all you need to know about Zakopane before you start planning your trip:
When Is The Best Time To Visit Zakopane?
Zakopane is a beautiful place all year round. That being said, if you’re looking for the perfect time to visit during winter, my advice is to head there in the week before Christmas. You’ll get to experience lots of snow, Christmas decorations, and overall winter charm without the holiday rush.
The worst time to visit Zakopane if you aren’t big on crowds is the time between Christmas and New Year’s. If you do decide to go during this time, keep in mind that you’ll probably have to wait in line quite a bit and make reservations ahead everywhere you go.
How To Get To Zakopane?
With the train station currently under construction (December 2023), your best options for getting to Zakopane from Krakow are driving there or taking a bus. Many tour operators offer transfers or organized trips to Zakopane multiple times daily. It will take you approximately 2 hours with traffic to get there whether you decide to go by bus or your own car.
My advice, is if you’re only heading to Zakopane for the day, it will be cheaper to book an organized trip. You’ll get to see the most important sights, the thermal baths, and gorgeous mountain views. This trip is a perfect one-day itinerary if you ask me:
If you're staying a while and want the full experience, I’d suggest renting a car from Krakow airport. It’ll make exploring the slopes, thermal baths, and other activities easier during your stay in Zakopane. All hotels/apartments will have parking spots nearby, and there are lots of parking spaces in and around Zakopane. However, keep in mind that parking spots tend to fill up during the holiday season. Also, make sure to bring cash with you as most parking lots are operated by parking attendants that only accept cash.
Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Zakopane?
Depending on your needs (and budget, of course), there are a couple of things to consider. A lot of hotels in Zakopane are “Aparthotels”. These hotels are full-service apartments, which means they come with a kitchen and other necessities you would expect to have in your own apartment back home, such as a coffeemaker and dishwasher.
If you want to stay in the center of town, I truly recommend the Giewont Hotel. It’s located by the main street, which makes walking everywhere a breeze. There is also a private parking lot situated underneath the hotel. The rooms are spacious and have everything you need to make your stay comfortable. The only downside is that since you’re in the middle of town, your mountain escape won’t feel as “cabin in the woodsy” as you might want. However, if you plan on doing many activities or going to many restaurants, I think this is the best option.
Are you looking to escape the crowds and wake up every morning with nothing but mountain views? In that case, I have an excellent option for you. Situated on the Gubalowka, “Osada Gubałówka Na Polanie Pająkówka” offers perfect holiday apartments with beautiful views of Zakopane and the mountains. If you’re heading on your holiday escape to relax and unwind while being close to the slopes, this is where to stay.
The only downside to this option, and I think you can already guess what it is - as you are high in the mountains, there isn’t much nearby. This means you’ll need to drive about 15 minutes to the nearest supermarket or restaurant. The hills to get to the apartments are also pretty steep, so a car with 4x4 is recommended. They do offer transfers from the airport, but I would genuinely recommend getting your own car to get anywhere else, basically. It’s a bit of a hassle, honestly, but this will be your view every morning, so may I say it’s worth it?!
What Are The Must-See Attractions And Activities In Zakopane During Winter?
Imagine Zakopane in winter as a massive snowy playground! You've got thrilling ski spots like Kasprowy Wierch and Gubałówka – they're perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Is this your first time on the slopes or are you traveling with children? Don’t worry. Zakopane is perfect for first-time skiers and snowboarders. If you have a car and are looking for less difficult slopes, there are many easier slopes around, such as Witów.
Ready for apres-ski or are you looking to have some fun without ski-ing? Stroll down Krupówki Street, a lively place to snack on local goodies and find unique souvenirs. Need to warm up? Head to places like Termy Chochołowskie for relaxing hot baths amidst the chilly air. For an epic view, catch a ride on the funicular railway to Gubałówka and soak in the stunning snowy landscapes!
Where To Eat In Zakopane?
Zakopane's culinary scene is a treat for foodies! Indulge in oscypek, a traditional smoked sheep's cheese unique to this region, often served grilled with cranberry sauce. Dive into zurek, a hearty sour rye soup packed with flavors, or savor mountain stews featuring tender meats and root vegetables—each bite is a delicious adventure into Zakopane's rich culinary heritage!
If you want to experience local food at a traditional restaurant with authentic music? Bakowo Zohylina Wyźnio is the place to go. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but it’s just the right amount, so you can still experience the local charm without losing its authenticity. I’ve been going here for over 20 years, and while the restaurant has become increasingly popular every year, the food and atmosphere are still great. Quick side note: I would call to make a reservation (if you’re going close to Christmas, even a week ahead), and there is a second restaurant with a similar name (Bąkowo Zohylina Niźnio but it isn’t that nice and far more touristy so I don’t recommend going there.
If you’re looking for something more laid-back, relaxed, and almost off-the-beaten-path, I recommend going to Ziębówka for lunch. This family-owned restaurant offers local food with a modern twist. It’s located outside of the city, so you’ll need a car to get there, but the food is great, and it’s a perfect excuse to escape the crowds. The restaurant is on the way to the Termy Chochołowskie, so you treat yourself and make a relaxing afternoon out of it ;)
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy travels!
